InteliSpark client, Antithesis Foods, LLC, secures $225,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF), via the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, to conduct research in developing an alternative for high-calorie, nutrient-poor, palatable foods. This project will create chickpea-based, nutrient dense ingredients to incorporate in a broad range of processed foods.
Processed foods are high in sodium, saturated fats and sugar and offer little nutritional value. Eating large amounts overtime can lead to serious health issues such as obesity and type II diabetes. Around 27 million Americans have type II diabetes and over 93 million Americans are obese according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite the growing awareness of diet-related health risks, Americans continue to consume processed foods due to taste, convenience and affordability.
Food scientists at Antithesis Foods, LLC decided to address this enormous challenge by creating healthy foods that are just as satisfying as junk foods. The ingredients will consist of the textures and tastes that are appealing in junk foods, while providing the benefits of being high in protein and fiber, and low in calories. Antithesis Foods, LLC will assess a novel microwave technology with the aim of creating low-cost, appealing, nutrient dense foods.
Food scientists hope this will result in a large commercial impact with the development of new products, brands, and production and processing equipment for these new ingredients. More importantly, they hope this will have a significant impact on population health by decreasing the rates of obesity and type II diabetes.